By rdnewsNOW Staff

Safety First

Big Valley and Donalda schools transitioning to at-home learning

Sep 19, 2021 | 3:46 PM

In consultation with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta Education, officials with Clearview Public Schools say Big Valley School and Donalda School will be shifting Grades 1-9 temporarily to online at-home learning beginning Sept. 20.

This change for students and their families will run through to and including Oct. 1, with a planned return to in-class learning on Oct. 4.

Kindergarten and Playschool students, however, will continue in-person learning at Big Valley School. In collaboration with AHS and Alberta Education, Clearview officials plan to reassess whether the district will move to in-person or continue online learning the weekend prior to Oct. 4.

“Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and what is best for our students and staff” reads a statement from Clearview Public Schools on Sunday. “Previously, we alerted our school community that we had over 10 per cent of students away due illness. At the time of writing this letter, the percentage of students away continues to be over 10 per cent with reported cases of COVID-19.”

Officials say instruction and learning opportunities will be offered using a combination of online and paper-based materials. Classroom teachers are anticipated to provide a detailed schedule so that students will have direct access to them at specified times during the day. This is expected to ensure the division will keep moving forward with the curriculum and continue the strong learning currently happening within classes.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

15h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

21h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

21h ago

“We remind all families to continue to closely monitor your children for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. The Alberta Health daily checklist can be found here. As a reminder, if you/your child has any of the symptoms of illness listed on the Alberta Health daily checklist, please fill out the online Alberta Health Services COVID-19 self-assessment or call Health Link at 811 and stay home/keep your child at home,” the statement continues.

“Please know that this decision was not made lightly and we recognize the inconvenience this decision places on families. We appreciate your support, understanding and flexibility to ensure student learning continues on successfully during this time.

“As always, do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the school principal for additional support or clarification. While this is a challenging time, we trust you will continue to feel well supported by our staff, school, and division.”

NDP Education Critic Sarah Hoffman issued the following statement in response to the situation at both schools.

“The UCP government promised students, teachers and staff a normal school year while doing absolutely nothing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We know that hundreds of cases of this deadly virus have been reported among students attending schools across Alberta and we’re beginning to see some schools closed and students forced to learn at home yet again, starting with Clearview Public’s Big Valley School and Donalda School.

“Much like last fall, Jason Kenney and the Minister of Education were warned this would happen and they did nothing. Alberta students continue to pay the price for this government’s failed management of the COVID-19 pandemic.”